When six-time divorcee Bernadette (Kathy Baker) is standing in line to see a Jane Austen film festival, she meets a tearful Prudie (Emily Blunt), a young married French teacher whose arrogant husband has just done yet another selfish thing and cancelled their trip to Paris so he could go to a basketball game instead. The two seem to hit it off, discussing their favorite Jane Austen books and movies and Bernadette has a terrific idea. They should start a Jane Austen book club with some of Bernadette's other friends and take the next six months to discuss each of the six books. Recently, not only has Prudie had some hard times, but Bernadette's other friends are going through emotional upheaval as well. One of Jocelyn's (Maria Bello) beloved dogs has died, and since she'd rather hang around dogs than have a relationship with a man, it is quite devastating to her. Meanwhile, Daniel (Jimmy Smits) and Sylvia (Amy Brenneman) have been together for over 20 years, having been set up by Jocelyn so long ago. But Daniel has found a new love at his law firm and the two are splitting up. So Sylvia needs something to take her mind off of the situation. Their daughter, the free-spirited Allegra (Maggie Grace), moves back in with mom to help her out and joins the book club as well. That leaves only one more person needed. Jocelyn meets the much younger and deliciously handsome Grigg (Hugh Dancy) by chance and she immediately thinks of him for a fling for Sylvia, but Grigg only has eyes for Jocelyn. Although he is an avid sci-fi reader, he agrees to try Jane Austen and join the club to impress Jocelyn. So the book club is formed and its already a recipe for confusion, if nothing else.
As the months pass and the group meets to discuss the respective novels they've each chosen, things change in their lives and they each grow personally and through the discussions they have about the books. Prudie finds that a handsome student at the high school she teaches at is as interested in her as she is in him. Her insane pothead hippie mother (Lynn Redgrave) comes for a visit and the two knock heads, ending in Prudie sending her on her way. Her mother dies a few months later, throwing Prudie into a confused tailspin of hatred and regret. As her husband continues to ignore her feelings, she finds herself growing closer to Trey (Kevin Zegers), the student, and eventually decides to begin an affair with him. Meanwhile, Grigg comes to realize that although he cares for Jocelyn, she walls herself up and won't allow anyone in, so he decides to turn his affections to Sylvia, which then makes Jocelyn jealous. By chance, when Sylvia and Grigg are out at lunch, Daniel sees them and begins to rethink leaving Sylvia after all. Allegra enters into a relationship with a writer named Corinne (Parisa Fitz-Henley) after breaking her wrist in a skydiving adventure where the two meet. Corinne later then breaks her heart by stealing her most personal thoughts and experiences and writing about them, while not telling Allegra any of this. As the members of the group find themselves falling in and out of love, they passionately discuss Jane Austen's books, while actually conveying their thoughts to one another through each of Jane's characters. As they make decisions that will forever change their lives, they find themselves asking "What Would Jane Do?"
This movie has a wonderfully happy ending for all concerned and is an absolute delight. Every character is so very different, each bringing a different vibe to the movie and I found myself laughing out loud and sometimes tearing up a bit. The acting cast is spectacular, each bringing both strength and vulnerability to their roles. Special features include a handful of deleted scenes which are interesting to watch and give a little more background, but were rightfully cut from the film. There's a behind the scenes featurette, one on the life of Jane Austen, one on the characters and one about the red carpet premiere in L.A. The Book Club: Deconstructed is especially neat because it compares the characters from the movie with Jane Austen's characters. I like that they added extras for fans of Jane Austen, along with those interested in the movie. This is a great romantic comedy and the perfect remedy for a rainy night. Highly recommended.
